Radio was around $370.00, accessories (extra batts, chargers, after market-antenna) set me back another $250.00 or so. It's the accessories that 'get ya'. lol
Those throw aways have their issues but for $42 -not bad.
Printable View
^^^^ what sort of issues
...then Klaatu signaled GORT with a borrowed flashlight.
GORT then caused the entire RonPaulForums website to go down for exactly 24 hours.
Forum members still failed to notice the irony of this thread, even after power and communications were restored.
I understand that some of the Baofeng & the Wouxun radios (Chinese radios) have ease of programing and accessory issues. Ain't so easy to program them and any after market accessories should be scrutinized.
That said, I've heard folks use the Wouxuns on our community repeaters and they sound pretty good.
I've found radios are a maze of of pros and cons. :eek: Best to first determine your needs and how deep you think you might want to get into it.
I picked up my stuff from these guys: http://www.universal-radio.com/index.html
They seem to be pretty upfront about the Chinese stuff.
Quote:
The Baofeng UV-5R... This radio requires purchase of the USB-02 programming cable and downloading of software prior to use. These radios are certified under FCC part 90 and operate differently from traditional amateur equipment. FCC Part 90 radios do not operate natively in the VFO mode and are not as frequency agile and are best suited when frequencies are programmed into memory and operated in a channelized mode. Although they offer good value, they may not be suitable as a "first radio".
Thought of this thread as I tried to log into RP forums yesterday. Don't have a HAM or CB so what was I to do if this was a real shutdown. 95% of people don't have off-grid radios or communications and this could be a real problem.
Maybe someone already mentioned this, but Tube radios with discreet components are best since they aren't affected by emf blasts, chips can be fried.
edit: perhaps there is some sort of grounded or active shielding that can be done for chip'ed transmitters?
Clyde - if you possess foreknowledge of when the attack will occur, you could probably protect your electronics through some combination of grounding and the use of Faraday cages.
Bring back the original Spark Gap Xmitter... Yea, a Digital Spark Gap! Don't expect it to do more than simple text messaging though. Jamming is impossible 'cause it does all the jamming anyone could want, on all/any frequency, unless it's tuned up very carefully!
The FCC will still try to hunt you down though... so, CB or Ham radio is the best option - just remember it's not private!
I can imagine an "underground personal SONET" that clandestinely rides on intercepted dark (un-used) optical fiber cables!
These guys might have some interesting tips (and traps!): http://www.2600.com/
http://www.2600.com/covers/wi121.gif
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You can get a Wauxon or Boefeng very very cheap (well under $100).
http://www.wouxun.us/category.php?category_id=52
What do you think of something like this? Hand crank...
http://www.amazon.com/Midland-XT511-...ords=ham+radio
If the government tries to shut down all communication with radio interference then there are other less efficient and slower ways to communicate. Programmed drones with exact details to reach a location with your message. Not ideal, but will work even with radio interference by the government.
A totally EMP resistant and organic means of communication.
http://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/w...ier_pigeon.jpg
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Communication devices can also be used to "attract" the enemy in useful cases. Perhaps to see which way the wind blows.